Following the signing last month of Approved Destination Status (ADS) between China and the UK, VisitBritain has launched its strategy to encourage Chinese tourists to visit.

The Britain Welcomes China campaign aims to assist UK tourism operators to cater for Chinese travellers as well as raising awareness of Britain as a holiday destination among the Chinese public.

Over the next 12 months VisitBritain will offer training and information for operators in a number of sectors, including visitor attractions and accommodation and transportation providers, to assist UK companies in dealing with the needs of Chinese tourists.

VisitBritain has also launched a Chinese-language website to offer information about the events available for tourists.

Tourism minister Tessa Jowell said: “The signing of the ADS last month unlocked a major market, bringing a significant boost to the UK tourism sector.

“We aim to double the value of inbound tourism from China to at least £200m by 2010.”